Due Diligence

“The men of our race in every age have struggled to tie up the hands of their Governments and keep them within the law; because their own experience of all mankind taught them that rulers could not be relied on to concede those rights which they were not legally bound to respect.” – Andrew Johnson. US President

— Veto of the First Military Reconstruction Act , March 2 1867

The quote reflects his views on the relationship between government authority and individual rights, particularly in the context of post-Civil War America. Johnson, who served as the 17th President of the United States (1865-1869), assumed office after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and faced the monumental task of reconstructing the nation following the Civil War.

In this statement, Johnson emphasizes the historical struggle of people to limit governmental power and ensure that rulers adhere to the law. He suggests that throughout history, individuals have sought to “tie up the hands of their Governments” to prevent abuses of power and protect their rights. This perspective is rooted in a fundamental belief in the rule of law and the idea that governments must be held accountable to the rights of the governed.

Johnson’s assertion that “rulers could not be relied on to concede those rights which they were not legally bound to respect” highlights a skepticism toward government authority. He implies that without legal constraints, those in power are unlikely to voluntarily respect the rights of individuals. This reflects a broader philosophical view that emphasizes the necessity of legal frameworks to safeguard civil liberties and prevent tyranny.

The context of Johnson’s veto is significant. The First Military Reconstruction Act was part of a series of measures aimed at rebuilding the South and ensuring civil rights for newly freed African Americans. Johnson’s opposition to the act stemmed from his belief in a more lenient approach to Reconstruction, which favored the rights of Southern states over federal intervention. His veto was indicative of his contentious relationship with Congress, particularly with the Radical Republicans who sought to enforce stricter measures for Reconstruction.

Johnson’s quote can be interpreted as a defense of limited government and a warning against the potential for governmental overreach. However, it also reflects his political stance during a critical period in American history, where the struggle for civil rights and the integration of formerly enslaved individuals into society were at the forefront of national discourse.

Overall, this quote serves as a reminder of the ongoing tension between individual rights and governmental authority, a theme that remains relevant in contemporary discussions about civil liberties, the rule of law, and the responsibilities of government to its citizens. Johnson’s emphasis on the need for legal constraints on power resonates with the foundational principles of democracy and the importance of protecting the rights of all individuals against potential abuses by those in authority.